Vaishno Devi Helicopter

I am planning to take my parents to Vaishno Devi in Jammu & Kashmir, and this would be their first ever trip there although they are very big devotees of Mata.

They are quite aged and it would not be possible for them to walk all the way up to the mandir, and I do not really trust the people carriers or even the horse rides as that too can be dangerous. Getting a helicopter for them would be much easier and less tiring and seeing that the service available why not.

I have the following questions about the Vaishno Devi helicopter, please provide the sufficient answers so I can make the relevant bookings.

1. Booking a helicopter ride from Katra to Sanjhichatt (mandir) is easy, you need to visit the visit the official Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board website and make your booking from there. Alternatively, you can also make reservations from the hotel you are staying at in Katra.

2. A one-way ticket is Rs1170 per person, and this is either from Katra to Sanjhichaat or vice versa. If you wish to get a return ticket, then the cost is Rs2340 per person.

3. This question has been answered above.

4. Unfortunately, the helicopter does not go to Bhairon Mandir. You can only reach Bhairon Mandir by walk, pony or the pitthus.

5. Helicopter services start from 8 am until 6 pm and are aviailable every 15 minutes.

To add to Deven's comment, I'd like to stress on the fact that the helicopter rides are sold out in mere minutes, and thus it is very competitive. It's like a flash sale, almost
I'd suggest starting well before time and checking the website every couple of minutes exactly 1 month before travel date.

No, these prices are only for one-way tickets. You can avail of two-way tickets on the website, the price would be double of what's indicated above. The return flights for helicopters are only until 5:00 pm.

The helicopter rides start at 8:00 am and the last flight is at 5:00 pm. Although some people have reported that the helicopters waited for them despite them being late for a few minutes beyond 5:00 pm. But make sure you arrive at the departure heliport an hour before your flight to make sure.